Non-contact thermometer

ABSTRACT

The present invention is drawn to a non-contact thermometer that is operable to emit a first light having a first color to create a spot of a first color at a reference target and to detect the temperature of the reference target. The non-contact thermometer is additionally operable to establish a temperature difference threshold. In use, once a temperature difference threshold is selected and once the temperature of the reference target is detected, the non-contact thermometer may detect a temperature of another target. Further, if the detected temperature of the other target is outside of the temperature difference threshold as compared to the temperature of the reference target, the non-contact thermometer is operable to emit a second light having a second color to create a spot of a second color at the other target.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. application Ser. No.12/352,115 filed Jan. 12, 2009, and U.S. Provisional Application No.61/060099, filed Jun. 9, 2008, the entire disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Non-contact thermometers are commonly used for remote temperaturedetection. Some conventional non-contact thermometers make use of aninfrared heat detector known in the art as a thermopile, wherein whenthe non-contact thermometer device is pointed at a first target and thethermopile detects the temperature at the first target, it displays thetemperature on the device. The user must then look at the device to readthe measured temperature. Unfortunately, with these conventionalnon-contact thermometers, a user may unintentionally move the devicewhen reading the temperature. As such, the temperature actually beingmeasured may not correspond to the first target.

Further, some conventional non-contact thermometers allow the user toset a temperature gradient threshold. With these conventionalnon-contact thermometers, if a temperature is detected that surpassesthe temperature gradient threshold, the user is alerted with a sound.However, these conventional non-contact thermometers may be limited inthat they can only detect positive temperature changes.

What is needed is a non-contact thermometer that enables the user tovisualize a temperature gradient in both the positive and negativedirection, without requiring the user to look at the device.

BRIEF SUMMARY

One aspect of the present invention is drawn to a device for use with afirst target having a first temperature and a second target having asecond temperature. The device comprises a body having a portion, alight emitter, a radiation detector, a temperature difference thresholdselector and a controller. The body is operable to move from between afirst position such that the portion is directed toward the first targetto a second position such that the portion is directed toward the secondtarget. The light emitter is disposed at the body and is operable toemit a first light having a first color and to emit a second lighthaving a second color. The radiation detector is operable to detectfirst heat discerning radiation based on the first temperature from thefirst target when the body is disposed at the first position, togenerate a first detected signal corresponding to the detected firstheat discerning radiation, to detect second heat discerning radiationbased on the second temperature from the second target when the body isdisposed at the second position and to generate a second detected signalcorresponding to the detected second heat discerning radiation. Thetemperature difference threshold selector is operable to establish anabsolute value of a temperature difference threshold from a range ofabsolute value temperature differences and to generate a temperaturedifference threshold signal based on the established absolute value ofthe temperature difference threshold. The controller is operable todetermine an absolute value of a temperature difference based on thefirst detected signal and the second detected signal, to determinewhether the absolute value of the temperature difference is within theestablished absolute value of the temperature difference threshold, togenerate a first indication signal when the absolute value of thetemperature difference is within the established absolute value of thetemperature difference threshold and to generate a second indicationsignal when the absolute value of the temperature difference is notwithin the established absolute value of the temperature differencethreshold. Further, the light emitter is operable to emit, based on thefirst indication signal, the first light at the second target. Stillfurther, the light emitter is operable to emit, based on the secondindication signal, the second light at the second target.

Another aspect of the present invention is drawn to a device for usewith a first target having a first temperature and a second targethaving a second temperature. The device comprises a first light emitter,a second light emitter, a first radiation detector, a second radiationdetector, a temperature difference threshold selector and a controller.The first light emitter is operable to emit a first light having a firstcolor at the first target. The second light emitter is operable to emitthe first light at the second target and to emit a second light having asecond color at the second target. The first radiation detector isoperable to detect first heat discerning radiation based on the firsttemperature from the first target and to generate a first detectedsignal corresponding to the detected first heat discerning radiation.The second radiation detector is operable to detect second heatdiscerning radiation based on the second temperature from the secondtarget and to generate a second detected signal corresponding to thedetected second heat discerning radiation. The temperature differencethreshold selector is operable to establish an absolute value of atemperature difference threshold from a range of absolute valuetemperature differences and to generate a temperature differencethreshold signal based on the established absolute value of thetemperature difference threshold. The controller is operable todetermine an absolute value of a temperature difference based on thefirst detected signal and the second detected signal, to determinewhether the absolute value of the temperature difference is within theestablished absolute value of the temperature difference threshold, togenerate a first indication signal when the absolute value of thetemperature difference is within the established absolute value of thetemperature difference threshold and to generate a second indicationsignal when the absolute value of the temperature difference is notwithin the established absolute value of the temperature differencethreshold. Further, the second light emitter is operable to emit, basedon the first indication signal, the first light at the second target.Still further, the second light emitter is operable to emit, based thesecond indication signal, the second light at the second target.

In example embodiments of a non-contact thermometer in accordance withthe present invention, that emits a colored light beam having a firstcolor, e.g., yellow, at a first target and detects a temperature of thefirst target. The non-contact thermometer may additionally display thedetected temperature for the user. The non-contact thermometer may thenbe moved to detect a temperature of a second target, and mayadditionally display the detected temperature of the second target forthe user. The non-contact thermometer compares the second detectedtemperature to the first detected temperature and calculates atemperature differential. The temperature differential is then comparedto an established absolute value of a temperature difference threshold.If the second detected temperature is greater than the first detectedtemperature, that is the temperature of the second target is higher thanthe temperature of the first target, and if the temperature differentialis not within the absolute value of the temperature differencethreshold, then the non-contact thermometer emits a colored light beamhaving a second color, e.g., red at the second target. If the seconddetected temperature is less than the first detected temperature, thatis the temperature of the second target is lower than the temperature ofthe first target, and if the temperature differential is not within theabsolute value of the temperature difference threshold, then thenon-contact thermometer emits a colored light beam having a third color,e.g., blue at the second target. This device will provide the user aneasy method to view temperature changes along a line.

Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the invention areset forth in part in the description which follows, and in part willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of thefollowing or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objectsand advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means ofthe instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in theappended claims.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthe specification, illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention and, together with the description, serve to explain theprinciples of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 illustrates a functional block diagram of a non-contactthermometer in accordance with an example embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2A is an oblique view of a working example embodiment of anon-contact thermometer in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2B is an exploded view of a display of the non-contact thermometerof FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A illustrates an example of a non-contact thermometer inaccordance with the present invention reading a temperature at a firstpoint;

FIG. 3B illustrates an example of a non-contact thermometer inaccordance with the present invention reading a temperature at a secondpoint;

FIG. 4 is a logic flow diagram describing an example of a method ofoperation of the non-contact thermometer of FIGS. 3A-3B in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a functional block diagram of a non-contactthermometer in accordance with another example embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6A illustrates an additional example of a non-contact thermometerwith multiple sensors and outputs in accordance with the presentinvention reading a temperature at a first set points in a first area;

FIG. 6B illustrates an additional example of a non-contact thermometerwith multiple sensors and outputs in accordance with the presentinvention reading a temperature at a second set of points in a secondarea; and

FIG. 7 is a logic flow diagram describing an example of a method ofoperation of the non-contact thermometer of FIGS. 6A-6B in accordancewith the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An exemplary embodiment. of a non-contact thermometer in accordance withthe present invention will now be described with reference to FIG. 1.

As illustrated in the figure, non-contact thermometer 100 includes abody 102 having a front face 104, an actuator 106, a radiation detector108, a light emitter 110, a controller 112, a display 114 and atemperature difference threshold selector 116.

Actuator 106 may be any device, structure or system that is operable toactuate controller 112 via a signal 118. In an exemplary embodiment,actuator 106 is a button, a trigger, switch or any other device orsystem apparent to one skilled in the art that may be manipulated by auser. Upon actuation of actuator 106 by a user, signal 118 is generated.

Radiation detector 108 may be any known device, structure or system thatis operable to detect heat-discerning radiation at a remote location, anon-limiting example of which includes an infrared heat detector orthermopile. Once enabled, via signal 134 from controller 112, radiationdetector 108 detects heat-discerning radiation from a remote location,for example via thermal radiation 122, and generates a detected signal126 corresponding thereto.

Light emitter 110 may be any known device, structure or system that isoperable to emit light, in direction 124, toward the remote locationfrom which radiation detector 108 detects the heat as discussed above.Once enabled, via signal 132 from controller 112, light emitter 110emits light having a specific color, for example having a yellow colorat the remote location. As discussed in more detail below, light emitter110 is further capable of emitting light of other colors. Non limitingexamples of light emitter 110 include lasers and Light Emitting Diodes(LEDs).

Temperature difference threshold selector 116 may be any known device,structure or system that is operable to establish an absolute value of atemperature difference threshold. from a range of absolute valuetemperature differences. In an exemplary embodiment, temperaturedifference threshold selector 116 includes a user adjustable selectorthat is operable to select an absolute value of a range, e.g., ±2°Fahrenheit, The size of the range and the increment of the selection maybe determined by desired design parameters.

Once established, for example as selected by a user, temperaturedifference threshold selector 116, generates a temperature differencethreshold signal 130. As discussed in more detail below, when adifference between two temperatures detected by radiation detector 108is outside of the absolute value of a temperature difference thresholdas established by temperature difference threshold selector 116,temperature difference threshold signal 130 will be used to instructlight emitter 110 to stop emitting light of a first color and starttransmitting light of a second color via controller 112 as discussed inmore detail below.

Display 114 may be any known device, structure or system that isoperable to display information based on the heat-discerning radiation122 detected by radiation detector 108. Non-limiting examples of display114 include a liquid crystal display (LCD). Non-limiting types ofinformation include numbers, colors, images, bar graphs or pie charts,any one of which indicates a detected temperature to the user.

Controller 112 may be any known device, structure or system that iscapable of at least four tasks: 1) determining a temperature differencevia a signal 126 provided by radiation detector 108; 2) determinewhether the temperature difference is within the established absolutevalue of the temperature difference threshold as set by temperaturedifference threshold selector 116; 3) controlling light emitter 110 viasignal 132; and 4) controlling radiation detector 108 via signal 126.Further, controller 112 may be additionally capable of providinginformation to display 114 via a signal 128.

FIG. 2A is an oblique view of a working example embodiment of anon-contact thermometer in accordance with the present invention. In thefigure, non-contact thermometer 200 includes a body 202 corresponding tobody 102 of FIG. 1, an actuator 208 corresponding to actuator 106 ofFIG. 1, a display 204 corresponding to display 114 of FIG. 1, atemperature difference threshold selector 206 corresponding totemperature difference threshold selector 116 of FIG. 1. Non-contactthermometer 200 additionally includes an indicator portion, which inthis example has a blue LED 208, a green LED 210, and a red LED 212. Acontroller, a light emitter and a radiation detector, which correspondrespectively to controller 112, light emitter 110 and radiation detector108 of FIG. 1, are disposed within body 202 and are not shown in FIG.2A.

FIG. 2B is an exploded view of display 204, which includes a scannedtemperature portion 214, a reference temperature portion 216 and atemperature unit portion 218. In this example embodiment, display 204 isan LCD.

Operation of non-contact thermometer 200 will now be described withreference to FIGS. 3A, 3B and 4. FIG. 3A illustrates non-contactthermometer 200 reading a temperature at a first point. FIG. 3Billustrates non-contact thermometer 200 reading a temperature at asecond point. FIG. 4 is a logic flow diagram describing an exemplarymethod of operation of non-contact thermometer 200.

To start (S402), a temperature difference threshold |ΔT| is selected(S404) by the user via temperature difference threshold selector 206. Inthis embodiment, the choices of ranges include 0.2, 2, 4, 6 and 10° F.or C. (as will be described in more detail below). Selection may be madein any known manner, non-limiting examples of which include a dial orsliding bar. The selected temperature difference threshold |ΔT| willenable non-contact thermometer 200 to easily inform the user when atemperature is detected that is outside of the temperature differencethreshold |ΔT|. As such, a user will not be required to pay particularattention to the specific detected temperatures, but will easily beinformed once the selected temperature difference threshold |ΔT| isexceeded.

Next, non-contact thermometer 200 is directed at a point on a wall 302,at which the temperature is to be detected. To be sure non-contactthermometer is directed to the right point, controller 112 instructs alight emitter of non-contact thermometer 200 emits a light beam 304 at afirst color (S406), which generates a corresponding spot 306 on wall302. Specifically, with additional reference to FIG, 1, when the useractuates actuator 208, signal 118 is sent to controller 112. Controller112 may receive signal 118 directly from actuator 208. Alternatively,intermediate circuitry may be included to modify signal 118 prior tocontroller 112. Non-limiting examples of intermediate circuitry includeamplifiers, filters, resistors, and digital devices including pulseshapers, analog-to-digital converters and digital-to-analog converters,etc.

Upon receiving signal 118, controller 112 instructs light emitter 110,via signal 120, to emit light beam 304 to generate spot 306 on wall 302.Light emitter 110 may receive signal 120 directly from controller 112.Alternatively, intermediate circuitry may be included to modify signal120 prior to light emitter 110. Non-limiting examples of intermediatecircuitry include amplifiers, filters, resistors, and digital devicesincluding pulse shapers, analog-to-digital converters anddigital-to-analog converters, etc.

Next, the temperature T₁ of a portion 308 of wall 302 corresponding tospot 306 is detected (S408). Specifically, with additional reference toFIG. 1, based on receipt of signal 118, controller 112 sends signal 134to radiation detector 108. Radiation detector 108 may receive signal 134directly from controller 112. Alternatively, intermediate circuitry maybe included to modify signal 134 prior to radiation detector 108.Non-limiting examples of intermediate circuitry include amplifiers,filters, resistors, and digital devices including pulse shapers,analog-to-digital converters and digital-to-analog converters, etc. Uponreceiving signal 134, radiation detector 108 detects heat-discerningradiation 122 emanating from portion 308 of wall 302.

In some embodiments, controller 112 sends signals 132 and 134simultaneously, wherein light emitter 110 generates spot 306 on wall 302while radiation detector 108 detects heat-discerning radiation 122emanating from portion 308 of wall 302. These embodiments, enable theuser to point, shoot and detect a temperature of a point on wall 302.

In other embodiments, controller 112 first sends signal 132 to lightemitter 110 to generate spot 306 on wall 302 and then sends signal 134to radiation detector 108 to detect heat-discerning radiation 122emanating from portion 308 of wall 302. These embodiments, enable theuser to point, aim with spot 306 at a specific location on wall 302, andthen detect a temperature of the specific location on wall 302.

In other embodiments, actuator 208 includes two portions, a firstportion operable to activate light emitter 110 and a second portionoperable to activate radiation detector 108.

Next, the detected temperature T₁ corresponding to portion 308 on wall302 is displayed to the user (5410). Specifically, with additionalreference to FIG. 1, radiation detector 108 sends detected signal 126,which corresponds to detected heat-discerning radiation 122corresponding to portion 308 on wall 302, to controller 112.Alternatively, intermediate circuitry may be included to modify signal126 prior to controller 112. Non-limiting examples of intermediatecircuitry include amplifiers, filters, resistors, and digital devicesincluding pulse shapers, analog-to-digital converters anddigital-to-analog converters, etc. Upon receiving signal 126, controller112 converts signal 126 into a temperature reading in at least one ofuser-preselected units of Fahrenheit (F), Celsius (C), Kelvin (K) orRankine (R). Controller additionally sends signal 128 to display 114. Inone example, as illustrated in FIG. 2B, display 114 displays, based onsignal 128, detected temperature T₁ at portion 214, and indicates thatthe temperature is measured in the user-preselected units displayed attemperature unit portion 218.

In some embodiments, if detected temperature T₁ corresponding to portion308 on wall 302 is above or below a measurable range of non-contactthermometer 100, controller 112 may then sends signal 128 to display114, which would indicate that detected temperature T₁ corresponding toportion 308 on wall 302 is above or below a measurable range ofnon-contact thermometer 100.

In this embodiment, detected temperature T₁ is a reference temperature,to which subsequently detected temperatures will be compared.Specifically, detected temperature T₁ is detected by radiation detector108, is stored in controller 112 via detected signal 126 and used withthe selected temperature difference threshold |ΔT| that is selected bytemperature difference threshold selector 206, as will be discussed inmore detail below. Detected temperature T₁ may additionally be displayedon display 204 as reference temperature 312, which in this exampleindicates to the user that portion 308 of wall 302 corresponds to atemperature of 80° F.

Next, in this embodiment, device 200 is moved (S412) to a secondposition as shown in FIG. 3B. In the figure, non-contact thermometer 200is directed at a second point, which in this example is on a windowframe 310 that is on wall 302, at which a second temperature is to hedetected. To be sure non-contact thermometer is directed to the rightpoint, the light emitter of non-contact thermometer 200 emits a secondlight beam 318 at a second color, which generates a corresponding spot322 within a portion 316 of window frame 310 on wall 302. In some cases,the second color may be the same as the first color, whereas in othercases, the second color may be different from first color, as will bediscussed in greater detail below.

Next, the temperature T₂ of portion 316, of window frame 310 on wall302, corresponding to spot 322 is detected (S414). Specifically, withadditional reference to FIG. 1, when the user actuates actuator 208,signal 118 is sent to 112. Controller 112 may receive signal 118directly from actuator 208. Alternatively, intermediate circuitry may beincluded to modify signal 118 prior to controller 112. Non-limitingexamples of intermediate circuitry include amplifiers, filters,resistors, and digital devices including pulse shapers,analog-to-digital converters and digital-to-analog converters, etc. Uponreceiving signal 118, controller 112 sends signal 134 to radiationdetector 108. Radiation detector 108 may receive signal 134 directlyfrom controller 112. Alternatively, intermediate circuitry may beincluded to modify signal 134 prior to radiation detector 108.Non-limiting examples of intermediate circuitry include amplifiers,filters, resistors, and digital devices including pulse shapers,analog-to-digital converters and digital-to-analog converters, etc. Uponreceiving signal 134, radiation detector 108 detects heat-discerningradiation 122 emanating from portion 316 of window frame 310 on wall302.

In some embodiments, based on signal 118, controller 112 sends signals134 and 132 simultaneously, wherein light emitter 110 generates spot 322on window frame 310 on wall 302 while radiation detector 108 detectsheat-discerning radiation 122 emanating from portion 316 of window frame310 on wall 302. These embodiments, enable the user to point, shoot anddetect a temperature of a point on window frame 310 on wall 302.

In other embodiments, based on signal 118, controller 112 first sendssignal 132 to light emitter 110 to generate spot 322 on window frame 310on wall 302 and then sends signal 118 to radiation detector 108 todetect heat-discerning radiation 122 emanating from portion 316 ofwindow frame 310 on wall 302. These embodiments, enable the user topoint, actuate, aim with spot 322 at a specific location on window frame310 on wall 302, and detect a temperature of the specific location onwindow frame 310 on wall 302.

In the example methods discussed above, step S404 is performed beforestep S406, which is performed before step S408. However in other examplemethods, steps S404, S406 and S408 can be performed in any order orsimultaneously. Further, in the example methods discussed above, stepS404 is performed before step S406. However, in other example methods,step S404 can be performed anytime before step S416 discussed in detailbelow, This gives the user the option to select a different temperaturedifference threshold |ΔT| 206 if it becomes required before step S416.

Returning back to FIG. 4, detected temperature T₂ is then displayed tothe user (S416). Specifically, with additional reference to FIG. 1,radiation detector 108 sends signal 126, which corresponds to detectedheat-discerning radiation 122 emanating from portion 316 of window frame310 on wall 302, to controller 112. Alternatively, intermediatecircuitry may be included to modify signal 126 prior to controller 112.Non-limiting examples of intermediate circuitry include amplifiers,filters, resistors, and digital devices including pulse shapers,analog-to-digital converters and digital-to-analog converters, etc. Uponreceiving signal 126, controller 112 converts signal 126 into atemperature reading in the user-preselected units. Controlleradditionally sends signal 128 to display 114. In this example, asillustrated in FIG. 213, display 114 displays, based on signal 128,detected temperature T₂ at portion 214, and indicates that thetemperature is measured in the user-preselected units displayed attemperature unit portion 218. Referring to FIG. 3B detected temperatureT₂ may be displayed on display 204 as a scan temperature 320, which inthis example, indicates to the user that portion 316 of window frame 310on wall 302 corresponds to a temperature of 60° F.

Returning briefly to step S412, in other embodiments, device 200 may notbe moved to a second position. In other embodiments, after waitingpredetermined time period t, controller 112 may instruct radiationdetector 108 to detect a second temperature. For example, there may hesome cases wherein a single position will change its temperature, anon-limiting example of which includes a heating element. When a singleposition changes temperature, the light emitter of non-contactthermometer 200 may emit a second light beam 318 at a second color. Insome cases, the second color may be the same as the first color, whereasin other cases, the second color may be different from first color.

In the examples discussed above, detected temperature T₂ is atemperature that will be compared to detected temperature T₁.

In some embodiments, if T₂ is less than T₁, i.e., portion 316 has alower temperature than portion 308, then the color of beam 318 isdifferent than the color of beam 304. For example, if portion 316 has alower temperature than portion 308, then the color of beam 318 may beblue. As such, spot 322 will be blue, signifying that portion 316 iscolder than portion 308. Accordingly, the user can easily determinewhether a targeted second area, via spot 322, is colder than a firstreference area, i.e., spot 306, without looking at non-contactthermometer.

In some embodiments, if T₂ is more than T₁, i.e., portion 316 has ahigher temperature than portion 308, then the color of beam 318 isdifferent than the color of beam 304, For example, if portion 316 has ahigher temperature than portion 308, then the color of beam 318 will bered. As such, spot 322 will be red, signifying that portion 316 ishotter than portion 308. Accordingly, the user can easily determinewhether a targeted second area, via spot 322, is colder than a firstreference area, i.e., spot 306, without looking at non-contactthermometer 200.

In some embodiments, if T₂ is more than or less than T₁, i.e., portion316 has a higher or lower temperature than portion 308, then the colorof beam 318 is different than the color of beam 304. For example, ifportion 316 has a lower temperature than portion 308, then the color ofbeam 318 will be blue, whereas if portion 316 has a higher temperaturethan portion 308, then the color of beam 318 will be a red. Accordingly,the user can easily determine whether a targeted second area, via spot322, is colder or hotter than a first reference area, spot 306, withoutlooking at non-contact thermometer 200.

In example embodiments, controller 112 calculates an absolute valuetemperature differential between detected temperature T₁ and detectedtemperature T₂, i.e. |T₁-T₂|. The temperature differential is thencompared to temperature difference threshold |ΔT| already stored incontroller 112 via signal 130 in step S404. In an example as illustratedin FIG. 3A. 2° F. is selected as temperature difference threshold |ΔT|as indicated by the arrow.

In some embodiments, if the calculated differential between detectedtemperature T₁ and detected temperature T₂ is greater than the selectedtemperature difference threshold |ΔT|, then color the color of the beamcorresponding to detected temperature T₂ is different than the color ofthe beam corresponding to detected temperature T₁.

In some example embodiments, if the calculated differential betweendetected temperature T₁ and detected temperature T₂ is greater than theselected temperature difference threshold |ΔT|, and if T₂ is less thanT₁, i.e., portion 316 has a lower temperature than portion 308, then thecolor of beam 318 will be blue. As such, spot 322 will be blue,signifying that portion 316 is colder than portion 308, a greater extentthan the selected temperature difference threshold |ΔT|. Accordingly,the user can easily determine whether a targeted second area, via spot322, is more than, say for example, 2° F. colder than a first referencearea, i.e., spot 306, without looking at non-contact thermometer 200.

In some example embodiments, if the calculated differential betweendetected temperature T₁ and detected temperature T₂ is greater than theselected temperature difference threshold |ΔT|, and if T₂ is more thanT₁, i.e., portion. 316 has a higher temperature than portion 308, thenthe color of beam 318 will be red. As such, spot 322 will be red,signifying that portion 316 is hotter than portion 308, a greater extentthan the selected temperature difference threshold |ΔT|. Accordingly,the user can easily determine whether a targeted second area, via spot322, is more than, say for example, 2° F. hotter than a first referencearea, i.e., spot 306, without looking at non-contact thermometer 200.

In some example embodiments, if the calculated differential betweendetected temperature T₁ and detected temperature T₂ is greater or lessthan the selected temperature difference threshold |ΔT|, and if T₂ ismore or less than T₁, i.e., portion 316 has a higher or lowertemperature than portion 308, then the color of beam 318 will be red orblue. As such, spot 322 will be red or blue, signifying that portion 316is hotter or colder than portion 308, a greater extent than the selectedtemperature difference threshold |ΔT|, Accordingly, the user can easilydetermine whether a targeted second area, via spot 322, is more than,say for example, 2° F. hotter than or colder than a first referencearea, i.e., spot 306, without looking at non-contact thermometer 200.

The aspect of the present invention drawn to changing the color of theemitted light corresponding to the calculated differential betweendetected temperature T₁ and detected temperature T₂ and the selectedtemperature difference threshold |ΔT| will now be further described withreference to an example embodiment.

Returning to FIG. 4, controller 112 determines whether detectedtemperature T₂ is less than detected temperature T₁, and whether thedifference between detected temperature T₁ and detected temperature T₂is greater than the temperature difference threshold |ΔT| (S418). If“YES,” then controller 112 sends signal 132 to light emitter 110 tochange the color of beam 124 from a first color to a second color(S420). In an example embodiment, a first amber color is changed to asecond blue color. As mentioned above, in such a case the user caneasily determine whether a targeted second area, via spot 322, is morethan, say for example, 2° F. colder than a first reference area, i.e.,spot 306, without looking at non-contact thermometer 200. The processthen returns to step S412, wherein system 102 is moved to another spotor a predetermined time is passed.

If the determination of step S418 is “NO,” then controller 112determines whether detected temperature T₂ is greater than detectedtemperature T₁ and whether the difference between detected temperatureT₂ and detected temperature T₁ is greater than the temperaturedifference threshold |ΔT| (S422). If “YES,” then controller 112 sendssignal 132 to light emitter 110 to change the color of beam 124 from afirst color to a third color (S424). In an example embodiment, a firstanother color is changed to a third red color. As mentioned above, insuch a case the user can easily determine whether a targeted secondarea, via spot 322, is more than, say for example, 2° F. hotter than afirst reference area, i.e., spot 306, without looking at non-contactthermometer 200. The process then returns to step S412, wherein system102 is moved to another spot or a predetermined time is passed.

If the determination of step S422 is “NO,” then the first color is notchanged (S426). The process 400 may then be repeated by the userre-initializing the actuator 208 or continuing to move the device (S412)to detect a new value of T₂ (S414).

In the example embodiment discussed above with respect to FIG, 4, stepS404 is performed before step S406, which is performed before S408. Inother embodiments S408 may be performed before either one of step S404or step S406. In still other embodiments step S406 may be performedbefore step S404. In still other embodiments, step S404, step S406 andstep S408 may be performed concurrently.

In the example embodiment discussed above with respect to FIG. 1, thereis a single light emitter that is operable to emit light in threedifferent colors and a single selected temperature difference threshold.In other embodiments, the single light emitter may emit light in morethan three colors and more than one temperature difference threshold maybe selected. Accordingly, such embodiments may easily indicate to theuser when any one of a plurality of temperature difference thresholds issurpassed. In still other embodiments, there is a plurality of lightemitters that are operable to emit light in a plurality of differentcolors and a single selected temperature difference threshold. In stillother embodiments, a plurality of light emitters is operable to emitlight in a plurality of different colors and more than one temperaturedifference threshold may be selected. Accordingly, such embodiments mayeasily indicate to the user when any one of a plurality of temperaturedifference thresholds is surpassed. An example of another embodiment ofa non-contact thermometer in accordance with the present invention willnow be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is similar to the oneof FIG. 1. but differs somewhat as discussed below.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, non-contact thermometer 500 includes a body102 having a front face 104, an actuator 106, radiation detectors 522,524 and 526, light emitters 528, 530 and 532, controller 112, a display114 and a temperature difference threshold selector 116.

Actuator 106 may be any device, structure or system that is operable toenable controller 112 via signal. 118.

Radiation detectors 522, 524 and 526 may each be any known device,structure or system that is operable to detect heat-discerning radiationat a remote location, a non-limiting example of which includes aninfrared heat detector or thermopile. Once enabled, via signals 558, 560and 562, radiation detectors 522, 524 and 526, respectively, detectheat-discerning radiation from remote locations, for examplerespectively via heat-discerning radiation 534, 536 and 538, andrespectively generate three independent detected signals 540, 542 and544 corresponding thereto.

Light emitters 528, 530 and 532 may each be any known device, structureor system that is operable to emit light, respectively in direction,toward the remote locations from which respective radiation detectors522, 524 and 526 detect the heat-discerning radiation as discussedabove. Light emitter 528 emits, via signal 552, light 546 toward theremote location from which radiation detector 522 detectsheat-discerning radiation 534. Light emitter 530 emits, via signal 554,light 548 toward the remote location from which radiation detector 524detects heat-discerning radiation 536. Light emitter 532 emits, viasignal 556, light 550 toward the remote location from which radiationdetector 526 detects heat-discerning radiation 538. All other aspects oflight generation with specific colors and operation of light emitters528, 530 and 532 are the same as previously discussed in reference toFIG. 1.

Temperature difference threshold selector 116 may be any known device,structure or system that is operable to establish an absolute value of atemperature difference threshold. |ΔT| from a range of absolute valuetemperature differences. The operation is the same as previouslydiscussed in reference to FIG. 1 with the following exception. When thesize of the range and the increment of the selection are established,for example as selected by a user, temperature difference thresholdselector 116, generates a temperature difference threshold signal 130.As discussed in more detail below, when a difference between twotemperatures detected by any of radiation detectors 522, 524 and 526 isoutside of the absolute value of a temperature difference threshold asestablished by temperature difference threshold selector 116,temperature difference threshold signal 130 may instruct controller 112to instruct the correct light emitter or emitters of light emitters 528,530 and 532 to emit light of a specific color.

Display 114 may be any known device, structure or system that isoperable to display information based on the heat-discerning radiation534, 536 and 538 detected by at least one of radiation detectors 522,524 and 526. All other aspects of display 114 are the same as previouslydiscussed in reference to FIG. 1.

Controller 112 may be any known device, structure or system that iscapable of at least four tasks: 1) determining absolute values of threetemperature differences based on signals 540, 542 and 544 provided byradiation detectors 522, 524 and 526, respectively; 2) determine whetherthe absolute values of the temperature differences are within anestablished absolute value of the temperature difference threshold asset by temperature difference threshold selector 116; 3) controllinglight emitters 528, 530 and 532 via signals 552, 554 and 556,respectively; and 4) controlling radiation detectors 522, 524, and 526,via signals 558, 560 and 562, respectively. Further, controller 112 maybe additionally capable of providing information to display 114 viasignal 128.

FIG. 6A is an oblique view of another working example embodiment of anon-contact thermometer 600 in accordance with the present inventionthat is reading temperatures at a first point. FIG. 6B illustratesnon-contact thermometer 600 reading temperatures at a second point.Non-contact thermometer 600 differs from non-contact thermometer 200 ofFIGS. 2A and 2B discussed above in that non-contact thermometer 600includes three light emitters and three radiation detectors as discussedwith respect to FIG. 5, FIG. 7 is a logic flow diagram describing anexemplary method of operation of non-contact thermometer 600. Operationof non-contact thermometer 600 will now be described with reference toFIGS. 6A, 6B and 7.

To start (S702), a temperature difference threshold |ΔT| is selected(S704) by the user via temperature difference threshold selector 206. Inthis embodiment, the choices of ranges include 0.2, 2, 4, 6 and 10° F.or C. (as will be described in more detail below). Selection may be madein any known manner, non-limiting examples of which include a dial orsliding bar. The selected. temperature difference threshold |ΔT| willenable non-contact thermometer 600 to easily inform the user where andwhen a temperature is detected that is outside of the selectedtemperature difference threshold |ΔT|. As such, a user will not berequired to pay particular attention to the specific detectedtemperatures, but will easily be informed once the selected temperaturedifference threshold |ΔT| is exceeded.

Next, non-contact thermometer 600 is directed at points on a wall 602,at which the temperatures are to be detected. To be sure non-contactthermometer is directed to the right points, light emitters ofnon-contact thermometer 600 emit light beams 616, 618 and 620 at a firstcolor (S706), which generate respective corresponding spots 622, 624 and626 on wall 602. Specifically, with additional reference to FIG. 5, whenthe user actuates actuator 208, a signal 118 is sent to controller 112.Alternatively, intermediate circuitry may be included to modify signal118 prior to controller 112. Non-limiting examples of intermediatecircuitry include amplifiers, filters, resistors, and digital devicesincluding pulse shapers, analog-to-digital converters anddigital-to-analog converters, etc.

Upon receiving signal 118, controller 112 instructs light emitters 528,530 and 532, via signals 552, 554 and 556, respectively, to emit lightbeams 546, 548, and 550 to generate spots 628, 630 and 632, respectivelyon wall 602. Light emitters 528, 530 and 532 may receive signals 552,554 and 556, respectively, directly from controller 112. Alternatively,intermediate circuitry may be included to modify signals 552, 554 and556, respectively, prior to light emitters 528, 530 and 532.Non-limiting examples of intermediate circuitry include amplifiers,filters, resistors, and digital devices including pulse shapers,analog-to-digital converters and digital-to-analog converters, etc.

Next, the temperatures T₁, T₂, and T₃ of portions 628, 630 and 632corresponding respectively to spots 622, 624 and 626 are detected(S708). Specifically, with additional reference to FIG. 5, when the useractuates actuator 208, signal 118 is sent to radiation detectors 522,524 and 526. Radiation detectors 522, 524 and 526 may receive signal 118directly from actuator 208. Alternatively, intermediate circuitry may beincluded to modify signal 118 prior to radiation detectors 522, 524 and526. Non-limiting examples of intermediate circuitry include amplifiers,filters, resistors, and digital devices including pulse shapers,analog-to-digital converters and digital-to-analog converters, etc. Uponreceiving signal 118, radiation detectors 522, 524 and 526 respectivelydetect heat-discerning radiation 534, 536 and 538 emanating respectivelyfrom portions 628, 630 and 632 of wall 602.

In some embodiment:, actuation of actuator 208 sends signals 118 and 120simultaneously, wherein light emitters 528, 530 and 532 respectivelygenerate spots 622, 624 and 626 on wall 602 while radiation detectors522, 524 and 526 respectively detect heat-discerning radiation 534, 536and 538 emanating respectively from portions 628, 630 and 632 of wall602. These embodiments, enable the user to point, shoot and detecttemperatures of points on wall 602.

In other embodiments, a first actuation of actuator 208 sends signal 120to light emitters 528, 530 and 532 to respectively generate spots 622,624 and 626 on wall 602 and a second actuation of actuator 208 sendssignal 118 to radiation detectors 522, 524 and 526 to respectivelydetect heat-discerning radiation 534, 536 and 538 emanating respectivelyfrom portions 628, 630 and 632 of wall 602. These embodiments, enablethe user to point, actuate, aim with spots 622, 624 and 626 at specificlocations on wall 602, actuate again and detect temperatures of multiplespecific locations on wall 602.

In other embodiments, actuator 208 includes two portions, a firstportion operable to activate light emitters 528, 530 and 532 and asecond portion operable to activate radiation detectors 522, 524 and526.

Next, a reference temperature T_(r) is displayed to the user (S710). Insome embodiments, reference temperature T_(r) may be any one oftemperature T₁ corresponding to portion 628 on wall 602, temperature T₂corresponding to portion 630 on wall 602 or temperature T₃ correspondingto portion 632 on wall 602. In some embodiments, reference temperatureT_(r) may be based on any one of temperature T₁ corresponding to portion628 on wall 602, temperature T₂ corresponding to portion 630 on wall 602or temperature T₃ corresponding to portion 632 on wall 602. In someembodiments, reference temperature T_(r) may be an average oftemperature T₁ corresponding to portion 628 on wall 602, temperature T₂corresponding to portion 630 on wall 602 and temperature T₃corresponding to portion 632 on wall 602.

In one example embodiment, with additional reference to FIG. 5,radiation detector 524 sends signal 542, which corresponds to detectedheat-discerning radiation 536 corresponding to portions 630 of wall 602,to controller 112. Alternatively, intermediate circuitry may be includedto modify signal 542 prior to controller 112. Non-limiting examples ofintermediate circuitry include amplifiers, filters, resistors, anddigital devices including pulse shapers, analog-to-digital convertersand digital-to-analog converters, etc. Upon receiving signal 542,controller 112 converts signal 542 into a temperature reading in atleast one of user-pre-selected units of Fahrenheit (F), Celsius (C),Kelvin (K) or Rankine (R). Controller additionally sends signal 128 todisplay 114. In one example, similar to the example as illustrated inFIG. 2B, display 114 displays, based on signal 128, detected temperatureT₂ at portion 214, and indicates that the temperature is measured in theuser-preselected units displayed at temperature unit portion 218.

In other embodiments, detected temperatures T₁, T₂, and T₃ correspondingto portions 628, 630 and 632 on wall 602 can be displayed to the user.Upon receiving signals 540, 542 and 544, which correspond to detectedheat-discerning radiation 534, 536 and 538, respectively, whichcorrespond to portions 628, 630 and 632, respectively, of wall 602,controller 112 convert's signals 540, 542 and 544 into a temperaturereadings where they would be displayed, for one example on threeseparate portions on display 114.

In this embodiment, presume reference temperature T_(r), corresponds tothe temperature of portion 630 on wall 602. T_(r) may be compared withpresent and subsequently detected temperatures. In FIG. 6A, detectedtemperatures T₁, T₂ and T₃ corresponding to portions 628, 630 and 632,respectively, on wall 602 are temperatures that will be compared todetected temperature T_(r).

In some example embodiments, controller 112 calculates an absolute valuetemperature differential between detected temperatures T₁ and T_(r),absolute value temperature differential between detected temperatures T₂and T_(r) and an absolute value temperature differential betweendetected temperatures T₃ and T_(r), i.e. |T₁-T_(r)|, |T₂-T_(r)| and|T₃-T_(r)|. The temperature differentials are then compared to theselected temperature difference threshold |ΔT| already stored incontroller 112 via signal 130 in step S704. In an example as illustratedin FIG. 6A, 2° F. is selected as temperature difference threshold |ΔT|.

In some embodiments, if the calculated differential between detectedtemperatures T₁, T₂ and T₃ and reference temperature T_(r) is greaterthan the selected temperature difference threshold |ΔT|, then therespective color of the beam corresponding to the spot emanating thetemperature T₁, T₂ and T₃ may be different than the color of the beamcorresponding to the reference temperature T_(r).

In some embodiments, if any of temperatures T₁, T₂ and T₃ is lower thanT_(r), and the difference between T_(r) and the lower temperatures isgreater than the selected temperature difference threshold |ΔT|, thensome or all of colors may change from originally emitted colors. Forexample, if portion 632 has a lower temperature than portion 630, whichin this example is the temperature of T_(r), and the difference betweenthe temperature corresponding to portion 630 and the temperaturecorresponding to portion 632 is greater than the selected temperaturedifference threshold |ΔT|, then the color of light beam 620 may changefrom an initial amber color to a blue color. As such, spot 632 maychange from amber to blue, signifying that portion. 632 is colder than,portion 630. Accordingly, the user can easily determine that atemperature gradient exists between spot 626 and spot 624, withoutlooking at non-contact thermometer 600.

In some embodiments, if any of temperatures T₁, T₂ and T₃ is higher thanT_(r), and the difference between T_(r) and the higher temperatures isgreater than the selected temperature difference threshold |ΔT|, thensome or all of colors may change from originally emitted colors. Forexample, if portion 632 has a higher temperature than portion 630, whichin this example is the temperature of T_(r), and the difference betweenthe temperature corresponding to portion 630 and the temperaturecorresponding to portion 632 is greater than the selected temperaturedifference threshold |ΔT|, then the color of light beam 620 may changefrom an initial amber color to a red color. As such, spot 632 may changefrom amber to red, signifying that portion 632 is hotter than portion630. Accordingly, the user can easily determine that a temperaturegradient exists between spot 626 and spot 624, without looking atnon-contact thermometer 600.

In some embodiments, if at least one of temperatures T₁, T₂ and T₃ ishigher than T_(r), and at least one of temperatures T₁, T₂ and T₃ islower than T_(r), and the differences between T_(r) and the othertemperatures is greater than the selected temperature differencethreshold |ΔT|, then some or all of colors may change from originallyemitted colors, For example, if portion 632 has a lower temperature thanportion 630, which in this example has the same temperature as T_(r),and the difference between the temperature corresponding to portion 630and the temperature corresponding to portion 632 is greater than theselected temperature difference threshold |ΔT|, and if portion 628 has ahigher temperature than portion 630 and the difference between thetemperature corresponding to portion 628 and the temperaturecorresponding to portion 630 is greater than the selected temperaturedifference threshold |ΔT|, then the color of light beam 620 may changefrom an amber color to a blue color whereas the color light beam 616 maychange from an amber color to a red color. Accordingly, a user mayeasily see that a temperature gradient exists between spot 622 and spot624, and another temperature gradient exists between spot 624 and 626,without looking at non-contact thermometer 600.

Returning to FIG. 7A, controller 112 determines whether any of detectedtemperatures T₁, T₂, and T₃ is less than reference temperature T_(r),and whether the calculated differential between detected temperaturesT₁, T₂, and T₃ and reference temperature T_(r) is greater than theselected temperature difference threshold |ΔT| (S712). If “YES,” thencontroller 112 sends signals 552, 554 and/or 556 to respective lightemitter 528, 530, and 532 to change respective colors of the emittedlight beams (S714). In an example embodiment, a first having an ambercolor is changed to a second having a blue color. As mentioned above, insuch a case the user can easily determine where a temperaturedifferential exists, via spots 622 and 626, is more than, say forexample, 2° F. colder than a reference area, e.g., spot 624, withoutlooking at non-contact. thermometer 600.

If the determination of step S712 is “NO,” then controller 112determines whether any of detected temperatures T₁, T₂, and T₃ is morethan reference temperature T_(r), and whether the calculateddifferential between detected temperatures T₂, and T₃ and referencetemperature T_(r), is greater than the selected temperature differencethreshold |ΔT| (S716). If “YES,” then controller 112 sends signal 552,554 and/or 556 to respective light emitter 528, 530 and 532 to changerespective colors of the emitted light beams (S718). in an exampleembodiment, a first having an amber color is changed to a third colorhaving a red color. As mentioned above, in such a case the user caneasily determine where a temperature gradient exists, via spots 622 and626, is more than, say for example, 2° F. hotter than a reference area,e.g., spot 624, without looking at non-contact thermometer 600.

If the determination of any or all of the circumstances of step S716 is“NO,” then the respective first color is emitted, or is continued to beemitted (S720). Process 700 may be repeated by starting again S702 whenthe user re-initializes the actuator 208 or the device may be moved(S722) to a second location as shown in FIG. 6B, to detect new values oftemperature T₁, T₂, and T₃ (S708).

In FIG. 6B, non-contact thermometer 600 is directed toward a secondlocation on the wall, which in this example is partially on a windowframe 606 that is on wall 602, at which a second set of temperatures areto be detected. To be sure non-contact thermometer is directed to theright point area, the light emitters of non-contact thermometer 600 emita second set of light beams 648, 650 and 652, which generate spots 636,638 and 640, respectively, at portions 642, 644 and 646, respectively,of window frame or partially of window frame 606 on wall 602.

Next, new temperatures T₁, T₂, and T₃ of portions 642, 644 and 646,respectively, which correspond to spots 636, 638 and 640, respectivelyare detected (S708). Specifically, with additional reference to FIG. 5,when the user actuates actuator 208, signal 118 is sent to controller112. Controller 112 then sends signals 558, 560 and 562 to radiationdetectors 522, 524 and 526. Radiation detectors 522, 524 and 526 mayreceive signal 118 directly from actuator 208. Alternatively,intermediate circuitry may be included to modify signal 118 prior toradiation detectors 522, 524 and 526. Non-limiting examples ofintermediate circuitry include amplifiers, filters, resistors, anddigital devices including pulse shapers, analog-to-digital convertersand digital-to-analog converters, etc. Upon receiving signal 118,radiation detectors 522, 524 and 526 detect heat-discerning radiation534, 536 and 538 emanating respectively from portions 642, 644 and 646,respectively, of wall 602.

In some embodiments, actuation of actuator 208 sends signals 118 and 120simultaneously, wherein light emitters 528, 530 and 532, respectively,generate spots 636, 638 and 640, while radiation detectors 522, 524 and526, detect heat-discerning radiation 534, 536 and 538, emanatingrespectively from portions 642, 644 and 646. These embodiments, enablethe riser to point, shoot and detect a temperature of a point on windowframe or partially on window frame 606 on wall 602.

In other embodiments, a first actuation of actuator 208 sends signal 120to light emitters 528, 530 and 532 to generate respective spots 636, 638and 640 and a second actuation of actuator 208 sends signal 118 toradiation detectors 522, 529 and 526 to detect respectiveheat-discerning radiation 534, 536 and 538. These embodiments enable theuser to point, actuate, and aim with spots 636, 638 and 640 at aspecific location on window frame or partially on window frame 606 onwall 602, and actuate again to detect a temperature of the specificlocation.

In other embodiments, actuator 208 includes two portions, a firstportion operable to activate light emitters 528, 530 and 532 and asecond portion operable to activate radiation detectors 522, 524 and526.

In the methods discussed above, step S704 is performed before step S706,however step S704 can be performed anytime before step S712 and may berepeated at prior to step S726 as discussed in detail below. This givesthe user the option to select a different temperature differencethreshold |ΔT| if required before step S722.

In some embodiments, detected new temperatures T₁, T₂, and T₃corresponding to portions 642, 644 and 646 on or partially on windowframe 606 of wall 602 can be displayed to the user. Upon receivingsignals 540, 542 and 544, which respectively corresponds to detectedheat-discerning radiation 534, 536 and 538, which respectivelycorrespond to portions 642, 644 and 646 on or partially on window frame606 of wall 602, controller 112 convert's signals 540, 542 and 544 intoa temperature readings where they would be displayed, for one example onthree separate portions on display 114.

In this example, detected new temperatures T₁, T₂, and 1 ₃ aretemperatures that will be compared to reference temperature T_(r).

In some example embodiments, controller 112 calculates an absolute valuetemperature differential between detected new temperature T₁ andreference temperature T_(r), an absolute value temperature differentialbetween detected new temperature T₂ and reference temperature T_(r) andan absolute value temperature differential between detected newtemperature T₃ and reference temperature T_(r), i.e. |T_(r)-T₁|,|T_(r)-T₂| and |T_(r)-T₃|. The temperature differentials are thencompared to the selected temperature difference threshold |ΔT| alreadystored in controller 112 via signal 130 in step S704. In an example asillustrated in FIG. 6B, 2° F. is selected as temperature differencethreshold |ΔT|.

In some embodiments, if the difference between detected new temperaturesT₁, T₂ and T₃ and reference temperature T_(r) is greater than theselected temperature difference threshold |ΔT|, then the respectivecolor of the beam corresponding to the spot emanating the newtemperature T₁, T₂ and T₃ may be different than the color of the beamcorresponding to the reference temperature T_(r).

In some embodiments, if any of new temperatures T₁, T₂ and T₃ is lowerthan T_(r), and the difference between T_(r) and the lower temperaturesis greater than the selected temperature difference threshold |ΔT|, thensome or all of beams 648, 650 and 652 may change to a different color.For example, if portion 646 has a lower temperature than the referencetemperature T_(r) and the difference between reference temperature T_(r)and the temperature corresponding to portion 646 is greater than theselected temperature difference threshold |ΔT|, then the color of lightbeam 652 may change from amber to blue. As such, spot 640 may changefrom amber to blue, signifying that portion 646 is colder than referencetemperature T_(r). Accordingly, the user can easily determine that atemperature gradient exists between a spot corresponding to referencetemperature T_(r), which in this example by be spot 630, and spot 640,without looking at non-contact thermometer 600.

In some embodiments, if any of new temperatures T₁, T₂ and 1 ₃ is morethan T_(r), and the difference between T_(r) and the higher temperaturesis greater than the selected temperature difference threshold |ΔT|, thensome or all some or all of beams 648, 650 and 652 may change to adifferent color. For example, if portion 646 has a higher temperaturethan reference temperature T_(r) and the difference between thetemperature corresponding to portion 646 and reference temperature T_(r)is greater than the selected temperature difference threshold |ΔT|, thenthe color of light beam 652 may be of a red color. As such, spot 640 mayhe red, signifying that portion 652 is hotter than reference temperatureT_(r). Accordingly, the user can easily determine that a temperaturegradient may exist between spot 630 and spot 640, without looking atnon-contact thermometer 600.

In some embodiments, if some of new temperatures T₁, T₂ and T₃ are morethan T_(r), and the other of new temperatures T₁, T₂ and T₃ are lessthan T_(r), then the respective color of the beam corresponding to thespot emanating the new temperature T₁, T₂ and T₃ may be different thanthe color of the beam corresponding to the reference temperature T_(r).For example, if portion 646 has a lower temperature than the referencetemperature T_(r), which in this example corresponds to portion 630, andthe difference between the temperature corresponding referencetemperature T_(r) and the temperature corresponding to portion 646 isgreater than the selected temperature difference threshold |ΔT|, and ifportion 642 has a higher temperature than reference temperature T_(r)and the difference between the temperature corresponding to portion 642and the reference temperature T_(r) is greater than the selectedtemperature difference threshold |ΔT|, then light beam 652 may changefrom an amber color to a blue color whereas light beam 648 may changefrom an amber color to a red color. Accordingly, a user may see that atemperature gradient may exist between spot 636 and the referencetemperature T_(r), and another temperature gradient may exist betweenreference temperature T_(r) and spot 640, without looking at non-contactthermometer 600.

Returning to FIG. 7, controller 112 determines whether any of detectednew temperatures T₁, T₂ and T₃ is less than reference temperature T_(r),and whether the calculated differential between detected newtemperatures T₁, T₂ and T₃ and reference temperature T_(r) is greaterthan the selected temperature difference threshold |ΔT| (S712), If“YES,” then controller 112 sends the corresponding signals 552, 554and/or 556 to respective light emitters 528, 530 and 532 to change thecolor of respective light beams 546, 548 and 550 (S714). In an exampleembodiment, first amber color is changed to second blue color. Asmentioned above, in such a case the user can easily determine where atemperature differential exists, via spots 636, 638 and 640, is morethan, say for example, 2° F. colder than reference area, e.g., spot 624,without looking at non-contact thermometer 600.

If the determination of step S712 is “NO,” then controller 112determines whether any of detected new temperatures T₁, T₂ and T₃ ismore than reference temperature T_(r), and whether the calculateddifferential between detected temperatures T₁, T₂ and T₃ and referencetemperature T_(r), is greater than the selected temperature differencethreshold oil (S716). If “YES,” then controller 112 sends signal 552,554 and/or 556 to respective light emitters 528, 530 and 532 to changethe color of respective light beams 546, 548 and 550 (S718), In anexample embodiment, a first amber color is changed to a third red color.As mentioned above, in such a case the user can easily determine where atemperature gradient exists, via spots 636, 638 and 640, is more than,say for example, 2° F. hotter than reference area, e.g., spot 624,without looking at non-contact thermometer 600.

In some example embodiments, if the calculated differential betweenreference temperature T_(r) and detected new temperatures T₁, T₂, and T₃is greater or less than the selected temperature difference threshold|ΔT|, and if T₁, T₂, and T₃ is more or less than T_(r), e.g., portions642, 644 and 646 have a higher or lower temperature than portion 630,the respective color of the beam corresponding to the spot emanating thenew temperature T₁, T₂ and T₃ may be change from an amber color to a redor blue color. As such, respective spots 636, 638 and 640 will be red orblue, signifying that respective portions 642, 644 and 646 are hotter orcolder than reference temperature T_(r), a greater extent than theselected temperature difference threshold |ΔT|. Accordingly, the usercan easily determine where a targeted second area encounters atemperature gradient, via spots 636, 638 and 640, is more than, say forexample, 2° F. hotter than or colder than reference temperature T_(r),e.g., spot 624, without looking at non-contact thermometer 600.

If the determination of any or all of the circumstances of step S716 is“NO,” then the respective first color is emitted, or is continued to beemitted (S720). Process 700 may be repeated by starting again S702 whenthe user re-initializes the actuator 208 or the device may be moved(S722) to a second location as shown in FIG. 6B, to detect new values oftemperature T₁, T₂, and T₃ (S708).

Returning briefly to step S720, in other embodiments, device 600 may notbe moved to a second position. In other embodiments, after waitingpredetermined time period t, controller 112 may instruct radiationdetector 108 to detect a second temperature. For example, there may besome cases wherein a single position will change its temperature, anon-limiting example of which includes a heating element. When a singleposition changes temperature, the light emitter of non-contactthermometer 600 may emit a second light beam of a second color. In somecases, second color may be the same as first color, whereas in othercases, the second color may be different from the first color.

In the above-discussed example embodiments, an actuator enables acontroller to control a light emitter, or light emitters, and aradiation detector, or radiation detectors. In other embodiments, theactuator is operable to control an initial emission from the lightemitter, or light emitters, and an initial detection by the radiationdetector, or radiation detectors.

In the above-discussed example embodiments, a light beam may change fromone color to another color based on whether a predetermined temperaturedifference threshold is surpassed. In other embodiments, a light beam mycontinuously change from an initial color, through continuous spectrum,to a final color, wherein the continuous spectrum is a weightedcombination of the initial color and the final color. In theseembodiments, the amount of the initial color is based on a ratio of thedifference between a detected temperature and reference temperature andthe difference between the detected temperature and the thresholdtemperature. For example, an initial color corresponding to a referencetemperature may be amber, whereas and a final color corresponding to athreshold temperature may be red. In this example, the continuousspectrum may spans through amber-reds, through oranges and then throughred-ambers, wherein the amber-reds indicate that the detectedtemperature is closer to the reference temperature whereas thered-ambers indicate that the detected temperature is closer to thethreshold temperature.

In the example embodiment discussed above with respect to FIGS. 7A and7B, step S704 is performed before step S706, which is performed beforeS708. In other embodiments S708 may be performed before either one ofstep S704 or step S706. In still other embodiments step S706 may beperformed before step S704. In still other embodiments, step S704, stepS706 and step S708 may be performed concurrently.

The foregoing description of various preferred embodiments of theinvention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. The exemplary embodiments, as described above, were chosen anddescribed in order to best explain the principles of the invention andits practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art tobest utilize the invention in various embodiments and with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It isintended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claimsappended hereto.

1-7. (canceled)
 8. A temperature sensor device comprising: a lightemitter operable to emit a first light having a first color and to emita second light having a second color that is different than the firstcolor; a body housing the light emitter; a radiation detector operableto detect temperature of a first target when the temperature sensordevice is pointed at said first target and operable to detecttemperature of a second target when the temperature sensor device ispointed at said second target; and a trigger operable to controloperation of a trigger switch such that the operation of the triggercauses the trigger switch to responsively generate a trigger switchsignal that is employed by a controller to control the light emitter andthe radiation detector; wherein when the radiation detector detects atemperature of the second target that is less than a threshold amountdifferent than the detected temperature of the first target, the lightemitter emits the first light at the second target and wherein when theradiation detector detects a temperature of the second target that ismore than a threshold amount above the detected temperature of the firsttarget, the light emitter emits the second light at the second target.9. The device of claim 8, wherein the light emitter is further operableto emit a third light having a third color that is different than thefirst color and the second color, and wherein when the radiationdetector detects a temperature of the second target that is more than athreshold amount below the detected temperature of the first target, thelight emitter emits the third light at the second target.
 10. The deviceof claim 8, further comprising an actuator operable to enable said lightemitter to emit the first light and to enable said radiation detector todetect the first heat discerning radiation.
 11. The device of claim 8,wherein said radiation detector comprises a thermopile.
 12. The deviceof claim 8, further comprising a display operable to display informationbased on the first temperature and to display information based on thesecond temperature.
 13. The device of claim 8, further comprising anindicator portion operable to provide a first indication based on thefirst light and a second indication based on the second light.
 14. Thedevice of claim 8, wherein said light emitter comprises a light emittingdiode system operable to transmit a first beam of light as the firstlight and to transmit a second beam of light as the second light.